they will only say that president obama is again spars with senator john kerry and reading through a lot of materials to get ready for the debate. reporters who are at president obama's hotel where he's prep e preparing right now have already seen a number of advisers walking around with thick binders. so clearly preparations and practice has begun for the day. but president obama's spothers say in order to win the debate has to deliver a stronger, sharper performance. he has to answer mitt romney's attacks in a sharper way. we heard from one of the supporters today on "meet the press" christine reid. take a listen. >> i think it's a challenge. i think the president has to step up. he wen onto win the second and the third. history remembers winners. >> i can also tell you both candidates will have to spend more time on foreign policy this time around. that will be a big top you can on tuesday. >> kristen welker. many thanks for that. i'm joined by cnbc washington correspondent john harwood and politics reporter for "usa today", jackie kucinich, daughter of the man who we spoke with y